Disclaimer: I don't own the Naruto universe.

Characters: Tayuya
Rating: T
Summary: Orochimaru has sunk into Tayuya's very skin.
Prompt:
Week #7 "Erase" from Naruto Contest
Word Count:
130


Mark of the Beast

Nails dug into the nape of her neck, ripped into the fevered flesh of the curse seal. Drops of blood rolled over her shoulders, down her chest and back, into her hair. Hot water fell from the shower head, diluting the blood. It stung; she tilted her head down further to allow better access. She reached for a washcloth, soap and started to scrub.

The dark shadow of the curse seemed to live just below the surface of her skin, though. All black ice that curled around her muscles and bones, lived in her blood. It couldn't just be erased.

Tayuya shook with barely suppressed sobs as she ripped into the seal again. Somewhere, she knew Orochimaru was laughing at her. And she couldn't let him win, not this time.